Research shows: Power improves executive functioning, optimism, creativity, authenticity, the ability to self-regulate and performance. Click image for more.

A person’s sense of power improves executive functioning, optimism, creativity, authenticity, the ability to self- regulate and performance in various domains. Galinsky, A. (2003). From power to action. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85 (September), 453–66.

Acquiring power produces individuals to feel more goal-oriented, more likely to take action and more optimistic. Click image for more.

Acquiring power produces individuals to feel more optimistic, more goal-oriented, and more likely to take action. Therefore, [learned] power may liberate people from the psychological constraints that keep them from being their best, brightest selves. Anderson, C., Galinsky, A. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol. 36, 511–536 (2006)

Power leads us to approach rather than avoid challenges, and approaching leads us to feel more confident, optimistic – and happier. Click image for more.

Power leads us to approach rather than avoid challenges, and approaching leads us to feel more confident, optimistic – and happier. Smith PK, Bargh JA. Nonconscious effects of power on basic approach and avoidance tendencies. Social cognition. 2008;26 (1):1-24.

Across species, body posture is often the primary representation of power. Click image for more.

Learned power-confidence may reshape the brain for long-term cumulative benefits.

Exercises designed to change behavior actually change the brain and, most importantly, continues to change the quality of life. ‘So, when we change our habitual negative behaviors…our brains will create a new map for continuing these productive habits. This powerful effect of neuroplasticity has been documented by esteemed medical reporter Sharon Begley (Wall Street Journal, Newsweek) and UCLA psychiatrist Jeffrey Schwartz’, reports Tamar Chansky, an expert on youth explanatory styles, per Nicole Force, “Humor, Neuroplasticity and the Power to Change Your Mind”, PsychCentral.com

Increased power may reduce aggression in our world. Click image for more.

Increased power may reduce aggression in our world since "...aggression appears to be driven by ego threat. Aggressiveness is eliminated when one’s sense of self-worth is boosted. A study of 410 people employed at various levels in various companies examined when and why power holders seek to harm other people. The present research found that that aggression among those in power [positions] is often the result of a threatened ego. Aggressiveness was eliminated among participants whose sense of self-worth was boosted." Fast, N. J., & Chen, S. (2009). When the boss feels inadequate: Power, incompetence, and aggression. Psychological Science, 20, 1406-1413.

Executive presence telegraphs you are in charge – or deserve to be. Click image for more.

Gravitas [a component of Executive Presence] is at the top of the list of executive traits most commonly sought by Senior Executives. Hewlett, S.A. et al (2012). Executive Presence. New York: Center for Talent Innovation

More Business Research and Leadership Development Studies

Productive thinking habits led to increased sales and higher retention [and we teach our own version of Thinking Tools of Top Performers].

A study done by the Wharton Business School, widely considered to be one of the best business schools, looked to determine the effects of applying new thinking habits to business. After measuring the attitudinal styles of a sales force, it was determined that sales novices who were taught productive thinking habits sold 35 percent more than sales veterans – and identified pessimists were two times more likely to quit in the first year than optimists [We also teach a powerful, attitudinal tool as part of our Thinking Tools of Top Performers]. Schulman, Peter. Applying Learned Optimism to Increase Sales Productivity. Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management. Volume XIX, No. 1, Winter 1999, 31–37

Changing behavior, even when doing so is [initially] disingenuous, can create genuine, authentic and important benefits.

Changing behavior, even when doing so is disingenuous, can create genuine, authentic and important benefits. Psychological Science. 2012;23(11):1372-8.

The Executive Presence Training: Build Powerful Leaders.

First-impression traits are the most critical, and even the most seasoned of CEOs can get tripped up by the basics.

Even the most seasoned of CEOs can get tripped up by the basics. First-impression traits are the most critical…[People] can read you the moment you walk in the door, from the clothes you wear to the way you stand to the grip of your first handshake. Casserly, Meghan. Top Five Personality Traits Employers Hire Most, Forbes.com

Confidence breeds success and it can be taught.

“…Confidence is teachable…it’s not something anyone is born with…Speak up and speak confidently; Walk into a room like you belong there…”. Confidence Breeds Success — And It Can Be Taught, Beth Monaghan, Forbes.com.